Steelers Secure Ideal Center Replacement for Mason Cole in Latest ESPN Mock Draft
The Pittsburgh Steelers are in dire need of a reliable center, especially if they want Kenny Pickett to feel secure in the pocket and avoid panicking at the first sign of pressure.
Assessing an offensive lineman’s performance beyond metrics from analytics sites like Pro Football Focus is challenging. In 2023, Mason Cole received an overall offensive grade of 55, with a breakdown of 63.8 in run blocking and 32.8 in pass blocking. He allowed 42 quarterback pressures and was beaten by defenders 27 times, including four instances in the wild card loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Enter West Virginia’s Zach Frazier, highlighted in ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller’s latest mock draft. Miller believes Frazier embodies the toughness and physicality desired by the Steelers for their offensive line. With agility to operate at the second level, Frazier appears to be a seamless fit, especially considering potential changes in offensive schemes under the new coordinator.
Frazier’s accolades include four-time high school heavyweight wrestling state champion, and he didn’t allow any sacks in his senior season while earning a stellar 99.0 pass block efficiency grade from PFF. Although a leg injury sidelined him for the Senior Bowl on November 25, Miller suggests Frazier was eager to participate but was advised against it. While his participation in the upcoming NFL Combine remains uncertain, Frazier is poised to enter his rookie season healthy and prepared, potentially donning the black and gold of the Steelers.
